The group aims to get people out of ATUs and prevent others entering them.

Garnett said: “The logjam Mr James describes has been caused by a chronic lack of funding across community services – education, social care, mental health and housing.”

Closing ATUs down

James, who takes up his new role in January, has a brief to do whatever is necessary to make progress on closing ATUs down.

He believes getting people out of the units requires a change in “hearts and minds”.

The intended purpose of ATUs was to provide short-term secure placements for people with learning disabilities. The idea was that the units would administer treatment before individuals move back into the community.

But the units are controversial and people can live in them for years.